Top 10 Best Jerusalem Hotels
Historically, Israel in general, but Jerusalem in particular, was not known as a destination offering the pinnacle of luxury in hospitality, or for that matter, solid options overall. Over the last decade or so, that has been steadily becoming less and less true. Now, as illustrated below in our overview of the top 10 best Jerusalem hotels, there are a multitude of options ranging from luxurious boutiques and name-brand hotels for even the most discerning global travelers to quality, cheaper options for those looking for more budget-friendly Jerusalem hotels. For the credit card point aficionados, there are even some points hotel options throughout Israel, including in Jerusalem.
The Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem
Best Jerusalem Luxury Hotel
As we discussed previously in “The Jerusalem Luxury Hotel Triangle, over the last decade or so, there have been leaps and bounds made in what Israel’s capital city offers to travelers seeking luxurious accommodations. Now, there are several strong choices ranging from familiar global hotel brands to locally operated ones. Though each hotel brings something unique to the table, the Waldorf in Jerusalem takes the top spot for luxury in our view. From the perfect location (only a few minutes walk to the Old City and across the street from Mamilla) and grand indoor pool to its almost unbelievably expansive breakfast, for those who love the city of Jerusalem, experiencing it at least once in the Waldorf is a bucket list item. As a “cherry on top,” this hotel can be booked via points as it is a part of the Hilton brand, though as DansDeals points out, the number of points required can fluctuate.
BOOK THE WALDORF ASTORIA JERUSALEM
Mamilla Hotel
Best Jerusalem Boutique Hotel
Centrally located adjacent to the Mamilla Mall, the Mamilla Hotel offers everything one can ask for in a boutique yet luxurious hotel. From the modern decor to the gym and pool as well as numerous restaurants, the Mamilla Hotel does not disappoint. There is also an on-site spa with a variety of treatments on offer.
BOOK THE MAMILLA HOTEL
ibis Jerusalem City Center or ibis Style
Best Jerusalem Budget Hotels
Part of the Accor brand of hotels, the two ibis locations in Jerusalem are relatively new entrants to the market. They are only a minute’s walk from each other, with one called “ibis City Center” and the other “ibis Styles.” Both are relatively no-frills budget hotels, though the ibis Jerusalem City Center is the more expensive of the two when compared to the ibis Styles. The ibis Style is on Ben Yehudah Street, and some of the rooms have balconies, which is a nice touch. The ibis Styles also has a particularly solid breakfast on the top floor with impressive views of Jerusalem, along with the option for outdoor seating.
Relatedly, Accor also has a brand new high-end property in Jerusalem called the “Theatron Jerusalem Hotel & Spa MGallery Collection.” In contrast to the more basic ibis line, the Theatron goes “full throttle” luxe.
BOOK THE IBIS CITY CENTER / BOOK THE IBIS STYLES
The Orient Hotel
Best For Pool With A View Jerusalem Hotel
Part of the Isrotel hospitality company, the Orient is a luxurious property with a particularly nice rooftop pool that possesses uniquely spectacular views of the city. If that wasn’t enough, the hotel also has an indoor pool. While relaxing in the pool and taking in the view is attractive, the hotel offers luxurious rooms along with great food.
BOOK THE ORIENT
The King David Hotel
Best Historical Jerusalem Hotel
The King David Hotel is a historical landmark in every sense of the word. From its origins in the 1930s and the subsequent deadly bombings at the hotel in the 40s, the hotel has a history in its every wall. More recently, it was where many presidents and other dignitaries have stayed and the location of much hushed though important discussion.
BOOK THE KING DAVID HOTEL
King George Suites
Best Jerusalem Apartment Hotel
With several centrally located apartment hotel-style properties, King George Suites offers a more roomy accommodation option while not having the hefty price tag that a larger hotel room, whether a suite or otherwise, would have. Most importantly, King George Suites has stellar reviews from happy guests.
BOOK THE KING GEORGE SUITES
The David Citadel Hotel
Best Jerusalem Shabbat Meals Hotel
Often those staying at a hotel in Jerusalem are going to want to have meals for Shabbat, and if they are visiting a son, daughter, other relative, or friend, they will want to have the ability to invite friends. While take-out and eating in one’s room is an option, for the full Jerusalem experience, having Shabbat meals at a luxury hotel and experiencing the spectacular and seemingly never-ending buffets of food is recommended. While the experience does not come cheap, and there are numerous strong options, including the Waldorf (our pick for the best Jerusalem luxury hotel option), in our view, the David Citadel takes the cake when it comes to Shabbat meals. From the appetizers and main course options to the desserts, there is no chance your cuisine of choice won’t be present in some form of fashion. The rooms and amenities, such as the outdoor pool overlooking the Old City, are great at the Citadel, too.
BOOK THE DAVID CITADEL
Abraham Hostel
Best Jerusalem Hostel
While very much a budget hotel and not really for families, the Abraham Hostel is an adventurous experience that is especially geared toward a younger demographic that is looking to meet others and have a feeling of communal living. While the dorms are a bit dated, people are satisfied with the cleanliness, and the staff prides themselves on being friendly. The location of the hostel is central to many restaurants and bars, including the famous Machane Yehudah Market, aka “The Shuk.” Abraham Hostel has other locations in addition to this one in Jerusalem, including an outpost in Tel Aviv.
BOOK THE ABRAHAM HOSTEL
The Spanish (Sephardic) House Hotel
Best Old City Jerusalem Hotel
There are few options when it comes to hotels in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. In our view, the best of the choices is the Spanish House Hotel. While the location of the hotel is unparalleled, it is not a luxury property, and the rooms have not been updated in some time, and service and maintenance can be a bit lacking. That said, by all accounts, it is a unique experience, and staying in such an ancient and historic city is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For a helpful review, see this one from a Taiwanese person with a love for Israel.
BOOK THE JERUSALEM ABRAHAM HOSTEL
The InterContinental
Best New Jerusalem Hotel
We left the best for last as we are immensely excited when a new luxury hotel enters the Jerusalem hotel landscape, let alone one from a global brand that offers brand loyalty benefits, including earnings and redemptions for free nights. So, without further ado, we are excited to announce that the InterContinental Hotel brand, under the umbrella of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), is slated to open in Jerusalem in the very near future.
While there is an InterContinental in Tel Aviv, the opening of a branch in Jerusalem will fill a serious void of no IHG properties ever since the Crowne Plaza Jerusalem left the fray.
According to a window supplier that seems to have potentially worked on the InterContinental Jerusalem, the hotel will be adjacent to a synonymous residential tower (similar to other recent Jerusalem luxury hotels such as the Waldorf, which also has a residential component). The 17-story property designed by Feigin will have 229 rooms and is centrally located on King George Street.
Further research shows that the hotel is set to be managed by Eyal Goldberger, who previously managed the David Citadel and, prior to that, an assortment of properties ranging from Marriott to Hyatt in Miami, Florida, and surrounding areas on behalf of industry titan Concord Hospitality.
We intend to update this post as soon as we receive confirmation regarding an opening date.
Which Jerusalem Hotel Will You Choose?
Jerusalem is a magical and spiritual city, for sure. Still, we also love that it is increasingly rich in hospitality options for visitors from all over the world who go to the holy land. Which hotel option will you choose? Will you go all out for one of the luxurious choices, such as the world-class Waldorf, or for one of the two good but wallet-friendly ibis’? We would be glad to hear your thoughts after your stay.
